עַצְלָה (ats.lah)
ats.lah
sluggishness
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun atsalah describes a state of sluggishness or laziness, appearing only twice in the Old Testament within Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. It captures more than simple idleness; it points to a heavy, inert quality that prevents action. In these texts, the word characterizes a person whose energy is dampened, leading to inaction that disrupts daily responsibilities.
This term often appears in wisdom literature to contrast with diligence. It highlights the practical consequences of an unmotivated spirit, where tasks are neglected not out of necessity but from a lack of will. The sources indicate it serves as a warning against the paralysis that comes from refusing to engage with one’s duties, framing such behavior as a failure of stewardship rather than just a personal habit.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word atsalah describes a heavy, inert state that slows us down when we should be moving forward. It is more than just being tired after a long day; it is a spiritual and physical sluggishness that makes simple tasks feel impossible. When this heaviness takes hold, even small responsibilities begin to pile up, creating a sense of paralysis that keeps us from doing what matters.
Scripture uses this term to show how neglecting daily duties can lead to real consequences. Just as a roof might sink or a house might leak when no one tends to it, our lives can suffer when we allow inaction to take root. This is not about perfection, but about the gentle call to stay engaged with the work before us.
Recognizing this sluggishness is the first step toward renewal. We do not need to force ourselves through sheer willpower; instead, we can ask for strength to rise and meet our day with care. God sees the effort it takes to overcome inertia and offers grace for those who seek to move forward in faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- laziness1×
- in/ laziness<es>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַ֭צְלָה1×
- בַּ/עֲצַלְתַּ֖יִם1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 19:15
Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger.
This verse links atsalah directly to a deep sleep, showing how spiritual or physical lethargy leads to the tangible consequence of hunger.
-
Ecclesiastes 10:18
By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
Here the word illustrates how small, consistent neglect causes structural decay, using the image of a leaking roof to describe the cost of inaction.